ASUU Nasarawa Signals strike warning issued as NSUK branch urges government to address welfare issues or face industrial action over unpaid arrears
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Nasarawa State University Keffi branch, has issued a strong warning to the Nasarawa State Government over unresolved welfare concerns, cautioning that continued inaction could trigger industrial action at the institution.
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ASUU Nasarawa Issues Strike Warning was delivered on Thursday by the branch chairperson, Abdulmumini Loko, who said the briefing became necessary due to prolonged delays in addressing staff welfare and financial entitlements.
Abdulmumini Loko stressed that industrial harmony could no longer be guaranteed if outstanding arrears and agreed benefits were not urgently settled by the state government.
Among the union’s key demands are the implementation of a 40 per cent salary increase previously agreed with the Federal Government, payment of professorial allowances, and improved funding for the university.
The union also called for the settlement of Earned Academic Allowance arrears, outstanding salary increments of 25 per cent and 35 per cent, as well as unpaid components linked to the new minimum wage structure and wage award.
Other demands include the domestication of the contributory pension scheme, timely government counterpart funding, enforcement of retirement age regulations for professors, and regular constitution of visitation panels to the institution.
Abdulmumini Loko warned that failure to address these concerns could lead to declining academic standards, brain drain, and disruption of academic activities within the university system.
While reaffirming the union’s willingness to engage in dialogue, Abdulmumini Loko noted that members were increasingly frustrated by the lack of progress in negotiations.
“Our members’ patience is not limitless,” he said, adding that ASUU would be left with no choice but to explore lawful means to defend its members’ welfare if the situation persists.
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The development adds to ongoing tensions between tertiary education unions and government authorities over funding and welfare-related disputes in Nigeria’s higher education sector.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
